The University Grants Commission (UGC) released a circular on November 12, 2024, regarding the celebration of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas which is scheduled from November 15 to November 26, 2024. This observance honours the birth anniversary of the legendary tribal freedom fighter and leader, Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has declared November 15 as Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas, marking the fourth edition of this celebration. It coincides with Constitution Day across the country. The Diwas aims to recognise and celebrate the contributions of tribal communities to India’s freedom struggle and their cultural heritage.
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150th Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has planned year-long celebrations across the country, starting from November 15, 2024, and continuing until November 15, 2025. This period will be commemorated as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (JGGV). Institutions and organisations of India are urged to actively participate and organize events to highlight the contributions of tribal leaders and communities in the development of India.
The UGC has called upon all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to play a pivotal role in the successful celebration of these events. The circular asks institutions to involve their Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) Coordinators and Nodal Officers to manage and organize different programs during Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (JJGD). Schools and universities are encouraged to hold events between November 15 and 26, 2024, and to record and upload details of these activities on the MyBharat portal, which is designed to track such initiatives. The goal of the celebrations is to highlight tribal contributions and heritage, with special focus on engaging both students and faculty.
To ensure the celebrations are impactful and reach a wider audience, the UGC has shared an illustrative list of activities provided by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. These activities include cultural programs, installing selfie points, competitions, awareness campaigns, and discussions focused on tribal heritage and history to name a few. The celebrations are not limited to the November period, as the UGC has instructed HEIs to continue organizing events and activities until the end of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Varsh on November 15, 2025.
The MyBharat portal (accessible at mybharat.gov.in) is a crucial platform for uploading event details and documenting the celebrations. Nodal Officers at each institution are tasked with ensuring that the calendar of events is shared and updated in a timely manner. The officers will also be responsible for maintaining detailed records of the activities and competitions organised during the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas and JGGV.
The UGC circular emphasises that the celebrations should not just be limited to passive participation. Instead, HEIs should actively encourage student and faculty involvement through cultural events, competitions, and awareness drives. Maximum participation is expected to ensure that the spirit of the celebration reaches all corners of the academic community.
Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and JGGV present an opportunity to bring to light the often-underrepresented role of tribal communities in India’s fight for freedom and their enduring contributions to the nation’s culture and development. Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose legacy is being honored through these celebrations, was a key figure in the Indian tribal community’s struggle against colonial exploitation. He is regarded as a symbol of resistance and pride for tribal communities across the country.
Role of HEIs in Promoting Tribal Inclusion
In light of the UGC’s instructions, HEIs have a critical role to play in promoting the contributions of tribal communities to mainstream society. The focus on organising events such as essay writing, debates, quizzes, and cultural exhibitions related to tribal culture will not only raise awareness but also bridge the knowledge gap about tribal history in educational curricula.
HEIs are also tasked with ensuring that these events are widely publicized, with an emphasis on reaching students from diverse backgrounds. The Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas and the year-long Jan Jatiya Gaurav Varsh offer an important occasion to recognize and honor the tribal leaders who contributed to India’s independence and development. The UGC’s circular is a call to action for Higher Education Institutions to engage actively in this celebration.
By encouraging HEIs to organise and document events on the MyBharat portal, the UGC aims to ensure that these celebrations are widespread and impactful, fostering a greater understanding of tribal contributions within India’s educational and cultural fabric. The active involvement of students and faculty will be key to making this celebration a success and ensuring that the spirit of tribal pride and cultural heritage is upheld throughout the country.
